The Queen summoned her entire royal staff from across the UK to a “highly unusual” meeting at Buckingham Palace in the early hours of Thursday, London time.

The only official confirmation from the Royal Family has been that a meeting has been called but that has not stopped wild speculation about the health of both the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen herself.

However, long-time Royals commentator and correspondent for London’s Evening Standard Robert Jobson said emergency Buckingham Palace meetings were not unusual and this specific meeting was, “no cause for alarm”.[....]However, royal protocol dictates that any public announcement will not occur until at 8am London time.

In an article detailing the procedure that would follow the death of Prince Philip, the Daily Beastreported: “If Philip were to die in the night, the news would not be announced by Buckingham Palace until after 8am.

PRINCE PHILIP STEPPING DOWN FROM OFFICIAL DUTIESThe 95-year-old will step down by public duties from Autumn this year, Buckingham Palace confirms in an official statement.Philip has the “full support” of the Queen, it adds.

_________________Do not go gentle into that good night.___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light